State Fire Mobilization Authorized for Wagon Wheel Fire

Every factual claim below was checked against the original public record. Source: original document ↗

• ✓
  June 23, 2026 Benton County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan“June 23, 2026 Benton County – State fire assistance has been mobilized under the Washington State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan in support of local firefighters working to contain the Wagon Wheel Fire located in Benton County, near Benton City.”
• ✓
  Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on June 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m.“Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on June 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Dennis Bates, Benton County Fire District 2.”
• ✓
  Fire Chief Dennis Bates, Benton County Fire District 2, requested the mobilization“Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste authorized the mobilization of state firefighting resources on June 23, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the request of Fire Chief Dennis Bates, Benton County Fire District 2.”
• ✓
  The Wagon Wheel Fire started on June 23, 2026, at approximately 11:54 a.m.“The Wagon Wheel Fire started on June 23, 2026, at approximately 11:54 a.m.”
• ✓
  The Wagon Wheel Fire is estimated at 500 acres and growing“This fire is estimated at 500 acres and growing.”
• ✓
  The Wagon Wheel Fire is burning in brush, grass, and trees“It is burning in brush, grass, and trees and is threatening homes and power infrastructure.”
• ✓
  The Wagon Wheel Fire is threatening homes and power infrastructure“It is burning in brush, grass, and trees and is threatening homes and power infrastructure.”
• ✓
  Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect“Level 2 and Level 3 evacuations are in effect at this time.”
• ✓
  The fire cause is currently under investigation“The fire cause is currently under investigation.”
• ✓
  The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2, partial activation“The State Emergency Operations Center at Camp Murray is activated to Level 2, partial activation, to help coordinate state assistance for the Wagon Wheel Fire.”
• ✓
  Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered one wildland strike team to aid in containment efforts“Mobilization specialists from the Fire Protection Bureau have ordered one wildland strike team to aid in containment efforts.”
• ✓
  State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both en route and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources“State Fire Marshal’s Office personnel are both en route and working remotely to coordinate the dispatch of resources.”
• ✓
  Under the State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, the Fire Protection Bureau coordinates the initial dispatch and continued administrative oversight of resources and personnel for the duration of the mobilization“Under the State Fire Services Resource Mobilization Plan, the Fire Protection Bureau coordinates the initial dispatch and continued administrative oversight of resources and personnel for the duration of the mobilization.”